The University of Minnesota will honor former men's cross country and track & field coach Roy Griak this week as the long-time Gopher Athletics staffer celebrates his 50th year of service to the University.

Griak recently sat down with Gophersports.com to talk about his tenure with the Gophers.

The Gophers will host the Roy Griak 50 Year Celebration on Thursday evening in the DQ Club Room of TCF Bank Stadium. The event starts at 5 p.m. with a special program slated to begin at 6 p.m. Learn more at GoldenGopherFund.com.

Two days later, Minnesota hosts the 28th Annual Roy Griak Invitational at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, Minn. Over 4,500 high school and college runners will compete in one of the nation's largest cross country meets -- named in Griak's honor.